How many boxes fit in a box: nesting calculator
Enter the small box and the big box dimensions — the calculator tries all six orientations, computes an orthogonal packing (the way warehouses actually pack), shows the rows-and-layers scheme and the volume fill. Wall thickness and clearance are accounted for.
Dimensions in centimetres. Everything runs in your browser — no data is sent anywhere.
Master carton done — now price the shipment. The BTRANS team will quote LCL or container freight for your cartons and route.
Get a quote at BTRANSHow to use it
The small box is entered by its outer dimensions — it goes inside whole. The big box has two modes: "inner dimensions" (if you know the usable space, e.g. from a carton spec) and "outer + wall" — the calculator subtracts two wall layers per dimension; regular corrugated board is 3–4 mm per wall, double-wall is 6–7 mm. "Gap per box" adds clearance to each dimension of the small box — set 2–5 mm if boxes go in tight or need to come out freely.
What it computes — and what it doesn't
The calculator computes an orthogonal packing in a single orientation — straight rows and layers, the way real warehouses pack. A mixed packing (some boxes sideways, some upright) occasionally fits a couple more, but that's a 3D-tetris answer nobody reproduces on a real packing line. The numbers shown are an honest practical maximum.
FAQ
How do I compute it manually?
Divide each inner dimension of the big box by the matching dimension of the small one, drop the fraction, multiply the three numbers. Repeat for all six orientations and take the maximum — exactly what this calculator does.
What is the wall thickness of a carton?
Single-wall corrugated board (B/C flute) is about 3–4 mm per wall; double-wall (BC) is 6–7 mm. The calculator subtracts two layers per dimension — walls on both sides.
Why do I need a gap?
An exact-size box goes in with a fight and never comes out. A 2–5 mm gap per dimension leaves room for hands and imperfect geometry. For soft packaging (bags) you can skip the gap.
Is weight considered?
No — geometry only. Check the bottom strength and weight limit in your carton spec; for shipment volume and freight use our cargo volume calculator.
Embed this calculator
Free to embed on packaging, fulfilment and e-commerce sites — two lines of code:
<div id="acm-box-calc" data-brand="CoolVolume" data-brand-url="https://coolvolume.com/en/boxes/"></div> <script src="https://coolvolume.com/widgets/box-fit-calc.en.js" defer></script>